As you may remember, we have gone back and forth on tearing the existing farm house down or fixing it up. The current economy, ie., bank lending policies have pretty much decided that for us. To obtain a new construction loan with owner as contractor (Pete being the contractor) requires more than 40% of the loan down - we're not willing to tie up cash flow to do that. So, we've decided to fix up the farmhouse, move in, sell our current home in Lake Carolina, refinance this property and then start to build our new house.
This has actually turned out to be a good thing! We've put a lot of thought into what to do and how to do it. The existing farmhouse certainly needs repair and updating, but it has a quaint charm that has really endeared itself to us as we have stayed and worked here. It will be a perfect place to reside while we build our new home on the property and then we plan for it to be a guest house for those of you who come to visit us! And we have some great ideas for bed and breakfast concept, etc.
That said, the understructure of the farm house needed work - some replacement and some reinforcement. Some of the sills and carrying timbers had water and termite damage . . . after all the original part of the house is well over 100 years old! See the next post for pictures and details.
In addition, we have had the heating and air man out to give us an estimate (current system only covers part of the house), gas man out for gas hook-up, bug guy out for inspection and recommendations, septic system pumped, and insulation man out for estimate. We have been to the home show in Charlotte, Lowe's, and local hardware store (a real old-time hardware store with everything) and have a pretty good idea on new siding (likely hardie board), new windows, and metal roof replacement.
Debby is collecting ideas from multiple sources and pretty much has the kitchen, one bath, and living room designed with ideas on the other rooms and outside landscaping.
Dad and Mom have decided to move to a retirement community in Newberry, just 10 minutes from us. They will be in a patio home with many amenities provided to them. They are very excited and in the packing stages. Likely move date is early October.
As to the everday working at the farm. The ongoing war with the wisteria continues to wage and WE ARE WINNING! The large pile from previous posts is burned (see below), we continue to spray and tear it out, and with each week there is less and less showing its ugly head. We have had persimmons - there ok - maybe they'll grow on us or maybe we can find some recipe . . . is there persimmon preserves? Our walnuts and pecans are starting to drop - we should have plenty!
Finally, most of you know, Pete narrowly averted a heart attack last week. He is feeling great and has one more week until he can return to "work". This has given him time to organize his plans, firm up our ideas, and address selling our current home.
Please check out the following posts for details and pictures.
The Lord is ever kind!
Pete & Debby
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